Unlocking Storage Success

Storage Tips

Here are some valuable storage tips:

Tri City Climate Controlled Storage Units

Key Tips for Organization and Protection

1. Efficient Storage Preparation

Make packing for storage easier on yourself by planning ahead. Start by listing all items your going to store, and their approximate sizes. Also gather up plenty of sturdy corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and marker pens, along with any furniture covers or shelving you intend to use in your storage unit.

2. Optimizing Packing Efficiency

Pack as much as you can in uniform-size boxes. Fill them tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor underpack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half-full boxes tend to collapse.) Use wadded up newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection, seal cartons with tape.

3. Strategic Packing: Safely Handling Heavy Items in Small Boxes

Pack heavy items, such as books and tools, in small boxes. For easier handling, limit the weight of all cartons (regardless of size), to 30 lbs. or less.

4. Effective Labeling and Documentation Strategies

Label all cartons so you know their contents and keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items.

5. Appliance Storage Precautions: Cleaning, Securing, and Transport Tips

Clean and dry appliances thoroughly before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport, tape all doors shut; but remember to wedge them open for storage.

6. Securing Rails, Marking Pieces, and Protecting Mattresses

Tape or tie bed rails together. Mark the pieces for easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.

7. Preserving Books

Pack books flat to protect their spines. Line cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.

8. Utilizing Bureau Drawers for Fragile Items

Tape or tie bed rails together. Mark the pieces for easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.

9. Chair Protection Strategies

Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.

10. Preserving Garments

Hang clothing and draperies in wardrobe boxes. Add moth balls or cedar chips for extra protection.

11. Dish and Glassware Packing

Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge.

12. Lamp Packing Guidelines

Hang clothing and draperies in wardrobe boxes. Add moth balls or cedar chips for extra protection.

13. Protective Padding and Handling Instructions

Pad mirrors and paintings with paper and place them in special mirror packs or large boxes. Mark boxes “Fragile”. Never store mirrors or paintings flat. Always place them on edge.

14. Table Storage Efficiency

Remove the legs from larger tables to conserve storage space. Tie and pad extra leaves together. Store table tops on edge and pad with paper or blankets.

15. Metal Object Care

Wipe the surfaces of tools, bikes, and other metal objects with machine oil to prevent rusting.

16. Cost-Effective Storage Solutions

Save money by renting the smallest amount of space you need and packing the unit full. Cover the floor with a plastic tarp before moving in your belongings. Use pallets or shelving as a foundation for cartons and furniture, as well as shelving wherever possible.

17. Space Optimization Strategy

Stack boxes shoulder-high to maximize your total locker space

18. Avoiding Direct Contact with the Floor

Save money by renting the smallest amount of space you need and packing the unit full. Cover the floor with a plastic tarp before moving in your belongings. Use pallets or shelving as a foundation for cartons and furniture, as well as shelving wherever possible.

19. Accessibility Near the Storage Room Door

Place items you use frequently (or may need to use soon) near the storage room door.

20. Arranging Lightweight and Heavy Items Strategically

Store lightweight small items around the back of the locker. Move large, heavy items into storage last. Remember to leave a walkway too so you can get the rear of the unit.

21. Security Considerations

Pack stereos, cameras and other high value items in unmarked boxes toward the rear of the storage space.

22. Furniture Storage Precautions

Stand sofas and mattresses on end and protect them with specially designed covers. Don’t place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.

23. Ventilation Considerations

Leave a few inches of space between your items and the wall for better ventilation. Do not lean anything against the wall.

24. Complete Protection

Cover the entire load with a light plastic cover.

25. Locks and Insurance

Use a good quality lock on your locker door. Inexpensive locks rust. Insure your goods while in storage. Ask the manager about self storage insurance at reasonable rates.

Why Choose Tricity Climate Controlled Storage

What Our Clients Say

Andrew Bobey

I’ve been with them for the last 11 months. Not only an incredibly clean and well-kept facility, the staff are excellent. Kim was always willing to answer my questions and give me guidance whenever I needed it. They have in-house carts and dollars to move your items and it’s climate controlled to keep them safe. Definitely recommend, excellent option for a fair price point!

Judy Snyder

This is the cleanest storage you will see. The climate control is good, and the person that runs the storage is wonderful, she’s kind and helpful.